Geoff

Hangartner

It’s not great news for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Bills cut ties with Hangartner because they believed he no longer possessed enough drive in the running game. He was just re-signed by the Panthers early this week.

Turning 30 next month, Hangartner is expected to take over at left guard for the newly released Travelle Wharton with Garry Williams entering the starting lineup at right guard. Hangartner wound up starting all 16 games last season for an offense that paced the league at a gaudy 5.4 yards per rushing attempt.

Hangartner started all 16 games at right guard in 2011, but could be expendable with guard/tackles Geoff Schwartz and Garry Williams returning from injuries. Entering his age-30 season, Hangartner may ask for a salary similar to the $2.8 million he received last year.

Austin will add depth with Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil out for the season. The Panthers are expected to shift veteran RG Geoff Hangartner to center, leaving Garry Williams and Jeff Byers to compete for the open guard spot.

The shifting has been brought about by C Ryan Kalil’s season-ending foot injury. Williams missed all of 2011 with an ankle injury, but has already made two starts this season. Bell was having a decent year at right tackle, but struggled mightily in 2011.

“Kugbila is an exciting young player who’s raw,” said coach Ron Rivera. “But he’s got tremendous upside. He’s got great skill and he’s a big, heavy body.” Hangartner, 31, started the first four games of 2012 at right guard, but he was moved to center after Ryan Kalil’s season-ending injury. Hangartner graded out as Pro Football Focus’ fifth-worst center.

This one comes out of left field because Hangartner was penciled in as Carolina’s starting right guard. Hangartner was owed a reasonable $1.575 million salary, but must have been really struggling through a week of camp. He was also brutal last season, grading out as a bottom-five center (in place of then-injured Ryan Kalil) per Pro Football Focus’ ratings. Of more concern is Hangartner’s replacement. Rookie RG backup Edmund Kugbila (leg) hasn’t even practiced yet. Including turnstile RT Byron Bell, the right side of Carolina’s offensive line is a major concern.

Hangartner spent the first half of 2013 on the street, and played sparingly after signing with the Panthers in November. Going on 32, Hangartner was a fifth-round pick in 2005.

He’s taking the roster spot of Jeff Byers, who was placed on injured reserve. Released in August, it’s possible Hangartner is returning to the Panthers’ starting lineup, as RG Chris Scott’s (knee) status is up in the air. A 12-game starter for the Panthers last season, Hangartner was highly ineffective along the interior line.

Hangartner, 32 next month, appeared in eight games, making two starts, for the Panthers last season after signing off the street in November. He played in 118 games total, starting 85 of them, in six seasons with Carolina and two with Buffalo. Hangartner was set to become a free agent at 4 PM ET.